Targeting Positive Youth Development: A Collaborative Approach to Volunteerism in 4-H Shooting Sports
Extension Education
Laura Hair
4-H Youth Development Agent
Clemson University
Orangeburg
Abstract
South Carolina 4-H Shooting Sports (4-H SS) relies on trained volunteers to ensure safe program delivery while intentionally promoting positive youth development (PYD). Research indicates that developmental relationships with caring adults and a sense of belonging among peers contribute to the “Five Cs” of youth development: confidence, caring, connection, character, and competence (Lerner et al., 2005). These outcomes help prepare youth to be ready for work and ready for life. The objective of this program was to strengthen volunteer capacity, improve youth-to-adult ratios, and establish a statewide culture of safety and PYD through strategic partnerships with the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR). South Carolina 4-H SS volunteers primarily serve as coaches, mentors, and trainers working directly with youth participants. Volunteers complete multiple layers of screening, certification, and training that emphasize safety protocols and PYD principles. Through collaboration with SCTP and SC DNR, the program streamlined volunteer recruitment and training processes, expanded access to shooting sports events statewide, and reinforced expectations for safety and youth development. Program outcomes demonstrate the impact of this collaborative approach. Following implementation of the partnership model, coach retention rates improved by 31%, and youth-to-adult ratios improved from 10.6 to 6.1 youth per adult. Additionally, the number of Level 1 volunteer certifications increased from 2021 to 2024 compared with previous years. Supported by more than 100 trained volunteers, the program serves nearly 500 youth annually. These findings indicate that strategic interagency collaboration can strengthen volunteer recruitment, retention, and training systems while expanding youth access to safe, high-quality programs. This model provides a scalable framework for Extension systems seeking to enhance volunteer-driven youth development programming.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: Laura Hair, Richard Willey, T. Ashley Burns
-
Hair, L. 4-H Youth Development Agent, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29115
-
Willey, R. Extension Associate, Clemson University , South Carolina, 29634
-
Burns, T. State 4-H Program Team Director, Clemson University , South Carolina, 29634